Welcome to your health resources page! Here, you'll find helpful information to take care of your health. We know it's important to have reliable facts, so we offer many easy-to-use guides. Whether you want to learn how to manage a health condition or just stay healthy, we have something for you.
All of our resources are created by health experts to make sure the information is correct and useful. Check out our materials to learn more about health and wellness. You can take charge of your health journey right here! Your health, your knowledge, your power—all in one place.
What is a Chronic Condition?
Chronic conditions are health issues that last a long time and need regular care. Some examples include arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain conditions like autism and cancer. The symptoms of these conditions can come and go or get worse at times. While they can often be managed, they usually can’t be completely cured.
Chronic conditions are more common in older adults, but they can affect people of all ages. Many of these conditions are linked to lifestyle choices, like what we eat and how active we are. By making healthier choices, such as quitting smoking, eating better, and exercising more, we can help prevent some chronic diseases.
Chronic diseases lead to 7 out of 10 deaths each year and account for 86% of our nation's health care costs.
Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how your body handles blood sugar, also known as glucose. When we eat, most of the food is turned into glucose, which is our body's main source of energy.
Normally, the pancreas—a gland behind the stomach—makes insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into the body's cells to be used for energy. In diabetes, either the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it well, causing too much glucose to stay in the blood.
There are several types of diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Without adequate insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead of going to the cells. Therefore, the body isn’t able to convert nutrients into necessary energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels have the potential to damage various organs of the body. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes: A more common form where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to the insulin. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.
Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Types: There are also other, less common types of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes (caused by a single gene mutation) and secondary diabetes (resulting from other medical conditions or medications).
Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. Managing diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), blood sugar monitoring, and sometimes medication or insulin therapy.
Links to Resources about DM:
Managing Your Diabetes Materials
Materiales para el manejo de la diabetes
Материалы по управлению диабетом
Hypertension
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. Blood pressure depends on how much blood your heart pumps and how narrow your arteries are. When your heart pumps more blood or your arteries are narrow, your blood pressure goes up.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number): This shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): This shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg.
Hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because it usually has no noticeable symptoms, but it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease if not treated.
There are two main types of hypertension:
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension: This is the most common type, and it develops gradually over many years. It usually has no clear cause but can be influenced by genetics and lifestyle.
2. Secondary Hypertension: This type is caused by another health issue, like kidney disease or hormonal problems. It can appear suddenly and often causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Managing hypertension often includes lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and too much alcohol. Sometimes, doctors prescribe medications to help lower blood pressure and reduce health risks.
Links to Resources about BP:
Nutrition
Nutrition is fundamental to health because it provides the essential nutrients your body needs to function properly, maintain health, and prevent diseases. Here are several reasons why good nutrition is crucial:
Proper nutrition is essential for growth and development, especially during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals are necessary for building and repairing tissues, including bones and muscles.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps maintain a strong immune system, which is essential for fighting off infections and illnesses. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and others play vital roles in immune function.
Eating a balanced diet that includes the right amount of calories and nutrients helps maintain a healthy weight. This is important for overall health and can reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Good nutrition can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are associated with lower risks of these diseases.
Nutrition also affects mental health. Diets high in processed foods and sugars have been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains may improve mood and cognitive function.
Food is the body's primary source of energy. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are macronutrients that provide the energy needed for daily activities, including physical exercise and cognitive tasks.
A diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes healthy digestion and can prevent constipation. Good gut health is also linked to a strong immune system and overall well-being.
A nutritious diet can contribute to a longer life by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall health. It also improves quality of life by supporting physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
In summary, nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for the body to function optimally, supports the immune system, prevents chronic diseases, and enhances overall quality of life.
Links to Resources about Nutrition:
Weight Management
Weight management is important for several reasons related to overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and manage various health conditions, improve quality of life, and increase longevity. Here are some key reasons why weight management is crucial:
Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of these diseases and their complications.
Excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, can lead to increased blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and other risk factors for heart disease. By managing weight, individuals can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and related conditions.
Weight management plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. This is particularly important for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight can also improve lipid profiles, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Excess body weight puts additional stress on the joints and bones, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and joint pain. Managing weight can alleviate pressure on the joints, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Weight management can have positive effects on mental health, self-esteem, and body image. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can boost confidence, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve overall quality of life.
A healthy weight is associated with higher energy levels and improved physical fitness. This allows individuals to engage in daily activities and exercise more comfortably, which further contributes to overall health and well-being.
Excess weight, especially in the abdominal area, can contribute to sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Managing weight can improve sleep quality, leading to better overall health and reduced risk of sleep-related issues.
Maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to a longer life by reducing the risk of life-threatening diseases and improving overall health. It also enhances the ability to live an active and fulfilling life as one ages.
In summary, weight management is a critical component of overall health. It helps prevent and manage chronic diseases, supports cardiovascular and metabolic health, improves mental well-being, enhances physical fitness, and promotes a longer, healthier life.
Links to Resources about Weight Management
Weight Loss